Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I won’t say I ever predicted a split-second winner decision for that somewhat impromptu giveaway. And even though the prohibition of 91kg+ women wearing shorts while riding horses in Chicago, created much bemusement amongst us bloggy types, I’m afraid there wasn’t enough gore or poo or ‘extraordinary’ for the middle kid adjudicator to come over excited. Sorry, Tanya.

The kid did cull to a short list fairly speedily but the final decision was so carefully considered I near fell asleep.

I’m still not entirely convinced I didn’t manage a micro nap.

Or seven.

Thank goodness for some extraordinary happenings with one of the (leafy) stick insects. Spiky is busy crafting eggs.

At last count, there were twelve, but we think she’s still going (unless it’s constipation). While we’re waiting for the middle kid to make his decision, would you like to know an Extraordinary Fact (or three) about stick insect eggs?

1. The eggs take between two months and two YEARS to hatch. Much like some decision-making processes around here.

2. See that white spot thing at one end of the eggs? That stuff is like gold, or lemon tart, or triple chocolate mud cake to any ant. A hanging-around-in-a-tree stick insect ‘lays’ her eggs by flicking them on to the ground below. Eventually, an ant trundles by, has a EUREKA! moment and hauls it back to the nest. Once there, the white stuff is eaten by the ants and the remainder of the egg is forgotten. Tucked safely in the corner, snug and warm, protected from the elements.

3. Upon finally hatching out of the egg, a baby stick insect looks, smells and behaves precisely like an ant. After a short amount of time hanging about with the ‘in’ anty crowd, the stick insect wanders off to grow stick-like and do hanging about, leaf-munching stuff.

4. Bonus Extraordinary Fact We have two female sticks. There have been no breaking of curfews. No boy sticks were harmed in the making of those eggs.

Finally!

A decision.

The winning entry for the brown paper package tied up with string containing a few of my favourite things, is...

MANY VULTURES POO ON THEIR OWN LEGS TO PROTECT THEM FROM BAD BACTERIA IN ROTTEN CARCASSES AFFECTING THEIR SKIN. IT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN KNOWN FOR VULTURES TO ENTER A CARCASS AND EAT THEIR WAY OUT.

Clever, revolting and with a mention of poo. No idea what took him so long. Congratulations Ange!

....................

PS. The Jungle Book was correctly guessed by Veri Maz 47 seconds after posting. You speed-of-light typist type, you.

PPS. Thank you to everyone who entered and entertained in one way or another – especially when none of us knew what you were entering to win. I’m working on it. Prize, string-tied packages sent by Friday...

That is a horrifying and yet very compelling fact. I can see why it won!

The stick insect facts are mighty good too. I thought you were going to say that when the stick insect hatches it eats all the ants in the nest before wandering off up a tree. Clearly I've been watching too many "kill or be killed" type nature shows.

Hi Tania,I was just over at Ange Moore's place (she's my mum's group buddy) and I really think I need to buy a couple of your tea towels (with the T things) for Chrissie presents. I couldn't find a link to your shop on your blog.Sarah

About Me

Mother of three, wife to one, designer and craftster of the slightly obsessive kind. Myrtle and Eunice were two lovely old ladies who connected weekly over the Scrabble tiles. These Saturday battles of will and skill were a ritual as comfy as a hot Milo and handknitted blanket on a frosty day.